Carton and blank for forming the same



Dec. 14, 1937. H KONDOLF 2,102,009

CARTON AND BLANK FOR FORMING THE SAME Filed July 9, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Dec. 14, 1937. H. KONDOLF CARTON AND BLANK FOR FORMING THE SAME S-SheeiS-Sheet 2 Filed July 9, 1934 Dec. 14, 1937. H, KONDOLF 2,102,009

CARTON AND BLANK FOR FORMING THE SAME INVENTOR Patented Dec. 14, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CARTON AND BLANK FOR- FORMING THE SAME 1 Henry Kondolf, New York, N. Y., assignor to.

Southern Kraft Corporation; a corporation of Delaware Application July 9, 1934, Serial No. 734,287

2 Claims.

5 My invention comprises a carton made of thin,

rigid material such as double faced corrugated kraft board, double faced kraft veneer or other material. As set forth in my co-pending applications, Serial No. 673,539 and Serial No. 673,541, filed May 29, 1933, the use of such materials affords savings inthe cost of manufacture, cost of shipment and cost of setting up the blanks, and has other advantages.

My invention contemplates embodying the novel features and advantages of the inventions set forth in-my aforementioned applications in a carton having a greater utility and service. In accordance therewith, I havefound that bottlers, who would otherwise desire to use cartons constructed according to my aforementioned applications, refrain from doing-so merely because my prior cartons afforded no means to protect empty bottles being returned. This objection led to the development of my present invention, which comprises a carton adaptable to the shipment of filled bottles either in compartment cells or in portable cell, cartons, such as'set forth in my co-pending applications, Serial No. 631,334 and Serial No. 673,539, filed September 1, 1932 and May 29, 1933, respectively, and which is also adaptable to protect, to the necessary degree, empty bottles which are, returned after the loss of such cells or portable cell cartons.

- In referring to my carton as being adaptable to .the packaging of bottles it is to be appreciated that although, this feature is primary, other goods may be packaged in my carton and that I have developed a carton which is practically of universal use. Accordingly, my invention comprises an outer case which is formed from a substantially rectangular blank, in the manufacture of which there is no expensive stripping of small portions therefrom and practically no waste of material. This case comprises a tray type of carton, that is, the side walls are folded upward about a panel comprising the bottom wall, hence there is no necessity for the shipper to complete the bottom wall of the case as is necessary in the flap and tubular form of carton. This case is so formed that it is rigid enough to package light materials, such, for example, as used in the millinery trade, and is also rigid enough to package therein such compartment cells or portable cell cartons referred to above. The case is i also rigid enough to package small packages or cartons containing fruits, vegetables or the like, such as disclosed in my prior U. S. Patent No. 1,741,369 and my co-pending application,

Serial No. 631,647, filed September 3, 1932.

However, it is desirable in many respects, such as in the return of empty bottles, that the case be reinforced. My invention further comprises an insert member which reinforces the case to such an extent that it may be used for the packaging of heavy loose materials in bulk. Such a problem would be encountered in the shipment of oranges or large vegetables from the grower to a wholesale merchant. As a further feature, this reinforcing member may be supplied with means to accommodate the shipment of empty bottles not protected by cell cases or cell cartons.

-My carton therefore comprises an outer case and a reinforcing member and is of extreme use in various fields. For instance, in the shipment of fruit from the grower to the wholesale merchants the case may be reinforced by the insert member. often soil the interior of the carton and therefore the insert member may be removed at the wholesale plant or distributing point and the case will still present a structure strong enough to hold the smaller packages within which the fruit has been repacked. 'It is also of use in the shipment of bottles in any number of ways, that is, the filled bottles may be placed in portable packages which are packed within the outer case alone, and the empty bottles may be returned in the case which has been reinforced by the insert member. ,It is to be noted that the insert member may be integrally attached to the carton at all times, or it may be inserted wherever desired and removed at other times.

,In this respect my case is preferably a tapered case so that a plurality of cases may be nested in order that they may occupy as little space as possible at the plant or store, and the insert member in no way interferes with such nesting.

The two blanks may be united in such manner that a rigid carton having convenient handles or hand-holds is provided, and having means integral therewith movable from positions allowing the carton to accommodate portable cell cartons therein to other positions to act as separators between rows of empty bottles stood therein.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, and will be more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

It is obvious that the fruit may Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout:

Fig. 1 is a developed view of the blank from which the case comprising the major portion of my carton is formed;

Fig. 2 is a developed view of the blank from which the insert member cooperating with the case to complete the carton is formed;

Fig. 3 is a view in perspective showing .the insert member in the form in which it is placed within the case;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the completed carton, having the insert member in place and attached to the case and having the top fiaps of the case interlocked to close the carton;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view in elevation taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view in elevation taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 4;

Fig. '7 is an enlarged cross section through the type of material hereinbefore mentioned as double faced kraft veneer;

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of a modified form of insert; and

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a carton, certain parts thereof being broken away to show the manner in which the insert is positioned in the bottom of the carton.

In setting up my carton the logical sequence of operation is to first form the case from the blank of Fig. 1, hence the description of the case follows. The blankcomprises a substantially rectangular strip of material, approximately twice as long as it is wide. At the center of the blank is a main panel l defined by score lines and hav-' ing its longitudinal axis coincident with the lateral axis of the blank and its lateral axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the blank. Side panels H and I2 adapted to form the side Walls of the case are attached to the side edges of the main panel l0 and are defined by outer score lines parallel to the sides of the main panel and edge score lines l3, I4 and 5, l6, respectively. These score lines diverge outwardly from the corners of the main panel ID to define trapezoidal panels having their large bases outwardly. End panels I! and Hi, adapted to form a part of the end walls of the case, are attached to the end edges of main panel I0 and are defined by the side edges of the blank and by diverging cuts l9, 2|),and 2|, 22, respectively, to form trapezoidal panels having their large bases outwardly. Attached to the side edges of side panel are outer end wall reinforcing flaps 23 defined by score lines l3 and I4, cuts -l9 and 2|, the side edges of the blank, and score lines 24 commencing. at the outer corners of side panel II and running to the outer edges of the blank. The latter score lines diverge inwardly from a line parallel to the lateral axis of the blank. Opposite outer reinforcing fiaps 25 are attachedto the side panel l2 and are defined by score lines l and It, cuts 20 and 22, the side edges of the blank and score lines 26 similar to the score lines 24. Cuts 21, 29, 3| and 33 extend inwardly from the end edges of the blank to the outer cornersby cuts 21, 29 and 3|, 33, respectively, are attached to the outer edges of side panels II and I2, respectively. These top flaps have interlocking edges formed by locking notches 31 and 39, defining locking tabs 38 and 4!], respectively. The locking tabs extend from points substantially at the longitudinal axis of the blank toward diagonally opposite corners of the blank. Two or more of the inner end wall reinforcing members may be cut away as herein illustrated at 4| and 42 for a purpose which will be apparent.

In forming the case from the blank of Fig. 1, the end panels l1 and I8 are bent upward substantially normal to the plane of the main panel I!) and side panels II and I2 are similarly bent upward. With the score lines l3, I4, I5 and Hi coinciding with the edges of the end panels I! and i8, it is apparent that a case having upwardly flaring walls will be partially formed. The outer end wall reinforcing members 23 and 25 are now folded to overlie the end panels I! and I3, and the inner end wall reinforcing members 28, 30, 32 and 34 are bent downward to lie against the inner surfaces of end panels l1 and I8. The outer edges of the panels 23 and 25 will overlap at a point which may be stapled as at 43, the staples extending through panels 23, 25 and end panel H. The inner end wall reinforcing members, for instance 28 and 32, will abut along their side edges due to the divergent sides of cut 21 and 3|, and the angularly cut away corner 42 will allow the opposite side edges of these members to lie along the corner edges of the case. It is to be appreciated that straight cuts at 21 and 3| would cause an overlapping of the edges of the inner end wall reinforcing flaps, which is not to be desired. Staples orother fastening means may be employed to retain the inner end wall reinforcing members against the inner surfaces of the end flaps. The case is now ready for the additionof the insert member. I

Referring to Fig. 2, the blank of the insert member comprises a substantially rectangular strip of material having a central rectangular main panel 50 whose end edges are defined by score lines 5| and 52. The main panel 50 is of a size to overlie the bottom wall of the case and snugly fit within the walls of the case. End panels 53 and 54 extend outwardly from the score lines 5| and 52 and are defined by score lines 55 and 59 respectively, forming the large bases of trapezoidal flaps. End panels 53 and 54 are of such size and shape to snugly lie against the inner surfaces of the end walls of the case. Handle forming members 56 and 58 are attached to the outer end of end panel 53, and are formed by dividing a trapezoidal flap, which decreases outwardly, by score lines 51 parallel to score lines 55. It is to be noted that score lines 55 are preferably farther apart than score lines 51 so that when forminga handle 69 by folding fiap 56 inwardly of fiap 58 the score lines will enable this folding to be accurately accomplished. Similar handle forming members 60 and 52 are attached to end panel 54 and defined by double score line 6|.

The means for separating rows of bottles hereinbefore mentioned comprise separators 63 and 64 defined by score lines 65 and 66, respectively, the score lines being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blank and dividing the bottom panel substantially into thirds; and by cuts 61 and 68 preferably defining trapezoidal flaps.

The insert member is easily placed within the walls of the case and staples 10 hold it in place. Handles 39 are formed as previously described.

Each handle isretained in place preferably by staples 1| passing through the folds of the handle, outer end wall reinforcing flaps, inner end wall reinforcing flaps and the end panel of the insert member, thus uniting the whole into a rigid single structure. 'If desired, staple 12 need not be placed until the insert member is in position, in which case it will also include the end panel of the insert member. Staples H are preferably so placed that the fingers may be inserted between the handles and the end walls. More staples may be driven through the handles if desired, in which case the handles will provide a rigid barlike edge which is easily gripped. Staples may be utilized to fasten the main panel of the insert member to the main panel of the case. It is obvious that the use of more staples or other fastening means will provide a stronger structure.

In the use of my present invention theseparators 62 and 63 may remain in the plane of the bottom wall of the carton to allow the accommo-,

dation of portable cell cartons or other bottle nesting means such as described in my co-pending applications, Serial No. 631,334 and Serial No. 673,539, or they may be folded upward at angles to the plane of the bottom wall to divide the space into three compartments, each compartment capable of receiving the large ends of four bottles. I have found that this affords sufiicient protection to empty bottles to reduce the number ofbroken bottles to a very small number. The insert member strengthens the entire structure and no reliance for the rigidity of the carton is placed upon the presence of portable cell cartons. Other commodities may be packaged thereby, either loosely or in insertable cartons, and will be completely protected due to the rigidity of the structure.

It is obvious that the main panel 50 may be sub-divided by separators running laterally of the blank to form three separators dividing the carton into four compartments, each capable of receiving three bottles. Such a modification and others are, of course, obvious to those skilled in the art.

The carton may be completed by interlocking the end edges of the top fiaps and 36, this being accomplished by interengaging notches 3'1 and 39 with the locking tabs 38 and underlying the opposed top flap. This forms a. rigid closure which is substantial proof from accidental disengagement, but extraneous fastening means may be employed to insure rigidity. In the form of carton disclosed herein the top flaps 35 and 36 afford further rigidity to the entire structure owing to the divergent side edges and to the slight upward projection of the insert member which allows the. top fiaps to lie in a plane substantially beneath the upper edges of the handles 69. In stacking my cartons one above another the greater portion of the weight will bear upon the handles 69 and will be transmitted through the rigid end walls.

If desired, the top flaps 35 and 36 may be so formed as to embody the desirable features disclosed in my co-pending application Serial No. 631,834, filed Sept. 1, 1932. That is, the top flaps may be formed with openings within which the necks of empty bottles may be placed and the top flaps may be scored to allow them to lie in a plane below the top edge of the carton. These openings may be formed by cuts and score lines providing neck engaging flaps which ordinarily will tend to lie in the plane of the top flaps so that the carton will present a substantially complete appearance, but which will allow the insertion of the bottle necks to further protect empty bottles.

As pointed out in my previous application, Serial No. 673,539, the purpose of forming the case with sloping walls is primarily to afford means to stack empty cartons in as small a space as possible. It is apparent that by folding the top fiaps 35 and 36 inwardly to contact the side walls H and I2, respectively, that one carton may be nested within another. However, I do not intend to be limited to a tapered carton and it is obvious that my invention may be fully embodied in a carton having vertical side and end walls, although the disclosed form is a preferred embodiment.

An embodiment of my invention, other than that disclosed, is substantially identical, but diifers in that the insert member is so fashioned as to contact the side walls of the case and the top flaps necessarily are attached to the end walls of the case. This alteration is merely a rearrangement of parts in no way requiring further disclosure. It is apparent that in either form the carton comprises an outer case and an insert member having side panels attached to two upposite walls of the case.

Referring now to the modified form of insert shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the blank from which the insert is formed comprises a substantially rectangular strip of material 12 provided with a pair of spaced separator or bottle protecting means 13'.

Each of the separator or spacing means is arched in shape as is clearly shown from an inspection of Fig. 9. The longitudinal portion of each of the separator or bottle protecting means is defined by spaced parallel cut lines 14 and I5, and the legs of each of the separator or bottle protecting means are defined by cut lines 16 and 11. Score lines 18 and I9 define the base of each of the aforesaid leg portions.

In the use of this form of insert it is positioned in the bottom of a carton 80, each of the separator or bottle protecting means being bent into a substantially vertical position along the aforesaid score lines 18 and 19. Bottles or analogous articles are then positioned in the carton, the rows of said bottles or other articles being separated from each other by the separator or bottle protecting means. The articles constituting the central row rest on the central portion of the sheet 12, the outer rows of bottles being held against tilting by the ledges Bl which are formed by the shape of the bottle separating means.

From the above description it will be appreciated that in the modified form of insert the packed articles are held against substantial lateral movement. Moreover, the outer rows of articles are prevented from tilting due to the provisionot' ledges 8| which in cooperation with the outer longitudinal edges 82 of the sheet provide a suitable base for the articles constituting the outer rows in the container.

As will be distinctly evident to those skilled in I body and hinged thereto at their ends, each of said panels when bent into operative position leaving a ledge in said body adjacent said panel whereby to hold articles placed in the partitions formed by said panels and walls of the carton against tilting.

2. In a carton for the packaging and shipment of articles, an insert member comprising a body 5 portion adapted to be positioned in the body of said carton, an arched shaped partition formed integral with said body having legs forming hinged connections with said body; the shape of said partition leaving material in said body whereby to hold articles placed in said carton against tilting when said partition is in operative position. 5

HENRY KONDOLF. 

